Team Goemkarponn
VASCO: The long-awaited new SGPDA market in Vasco is set to partially open soon, with Vasco MLA and SGPDA chairman Krishna Salkar announcing that the first phase of the project will be inaugurated within the next 15 days.
Salkar made the announcement on Tuesday morning after launching cross-drain works at two locations in Vasco, in the presence of Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) chairperson Girish Borker, ward councillor Shami Salkar, and other officials.
“The new SGPDA market is about 60 percent complete, and we are now ready to open the first phase in another 15 days,” Salkar told reporters. “During our recent meeting, PWD Minister Digambar Kamat and Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai emphasised the importance of ensuring auxiliary facilities — such as cleanliness, a canteen, and Sulabh Souchalaya toilet facilities — are operational before the inauguration. Otherwise, such a large market, which receives around 200 vehicles daily, could quickly turn unhygienic.”
He added that arrangements have now been finalised for these essential services. “We have appointed a canteen operator, finalised Sulabh Souchalaya facilities, and appointed a contractor for maintenance. A meeting will be held today to finalise the inauguration date. Most likely, we will inaugurate the first phase of the new SGPDA market in the next 15 days,” Salkar said.
The MLA also provided an update on the much-delayed Vasco fish market, expressing optimism that it could finally open to the public within a week.
“The technical issues concerning the new Vasco fish market have been resolved. The fish vendors have already met with us, and we had earlier decided to inaugurate the facility for the people of Vasco on a Saturday, about 15 days after our meeting,” Salkar said. “However, there was some uncertainty over the applicability of the code of conduct for the upcoming Zilla Panchayat elections. I have now spoken with the Election Commission, and they clarified that the code will apply only to panchayat areas and not to municipal areas. If that is the case, we can inaugurate the new Vasco fish market by next Saturday.”
Salkar also addressed concerns among residents regarding possible road closures near the Tanya area due to ongoing development works.
“We will not close any roads for long periods or inconvenience people for development works,” he assured. “We have already met with all the concerned authorities to prepare a proper road and traffic management plan. At most, roads may be closed for four days while heavy beams and bridge frames are installed. This closure is purely for safety reasons — to protect both pedestrians and motorists. Even then, we will ensure that alternative routes are made available.”
Speaking about the cross-drain projects launched in Vasco, Salkar said these works were essential to preventing waterlogging in the city’s busiest areas.
“This is one of the busiest sectors of Vasco city, and we have observed that there has been no flooding in the past three years despite heavy rains,” he said. “During my time as councillor, I had taken up some cross-drain works, and now councillor Shami Salkar has initiated another four cross-drains in different parts of Vasco. These will help ensure smooth drainage and prevent flooding, especially around the Vasco market area.”
With two major public infrastructure projects — the SGPDA market and the Vasco fish market — nearing completion, residents and vendors alike are looking forward to improved facilities that promise better hygiene, accessibility, and convenience in the heart of the port town.
